What is this medicine?

HYDROCORTISONE (hye droe KOR ti sone) is a corticosteroid. It is used on the skin to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

any active infection

diabetes

large areas of burned or damaged skin

skin wasting or thinning

an unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, corticosteroids, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Wash your hands before and after use. Spray on the affected area as directed on the package or by your health care professional. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not to use more medicine than prescribed. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for more than 14 days.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not use this medicine for the treatment of diaper rash unless directed to do so by your doctor or health care professional. If applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medicine that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.

Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. This medicine should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your doctor or health care professional.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 7 days or if they get worse.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

burning feeling on the skin

dark red spots on the skin

infection

lack of healing of skin condition

painful, red, pus filled blisters in hair follicles

thinning of the skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):